US5836430A - Ratchet mechanism for screwdrivers and the like - Google Patents
Ratchet mechanism for screwdrivers and the like Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US5836430A US5836430A US08/782,814 US78281497A US5836430A US 5836430 A US5836430 A US 5836430A US 78281497 A US78281497 A US 78281497A US 5836430 A US5836430 A US 5836430A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pin
- rocker
- pins
- splines
- axis
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B15/00—Screwdrivers
- B25B15/02—Screwdrivers operated by rotating the handle
- B25B15/04—Screwdrivers operated by rotating the handle with ratchet action
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B13/00—Spanners; Wrenches
- B25B13/46—Spanners; Wrenches of the ratchet type, for providing a free return stroke of the handle
- B25B13/461—Spanners; Wrenches of the ratchet type, for providing a free return stroke of the handle with concentric driving and driven member
- B25B13/462—Spanners; Wrenches of the ratchet type, for providing a free return stroke of the handle with concentric driving and driven member the ratchet parts engaging in a direction radial to the tool operating axis
- B25B13/463—Spanners; Wrenches of the ratchet type, for providing a free return stroke of the handle with concentric driving and driven member the ratchet parts engaging in a direction radial to the tool operating axis a pawl engaging an externally toothed wheel
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D41/00—Freewheels or freewheel clutches
- F16D41/18—Freewheels or freewheel clutches with non-hinged detent
Definitions
- This invention relates to hand tools in general, and specifically to a ratchet mechanism for use with screwdrivers, nut drivers, drill chuck keys, and other like tools.
- the mechanism is positioned between the handle and the distal end of the shaft, preferably but not necessarily immediately adjacent the handle.
- the mechanism has a shank or other suitable means extending from one end thereof, to which the handle is secured, by molding plastic around it, for example.
- An output shaft extends from the other end thereof.
- the output shaft may be the actual screwdriver blade, but preferably, for greater flexibility, is a hex socket into which any desired screwdriver or nut-driver bit may be installed.
- the details of the hex socket and bits are not essential to the invention; the essence of the invention lies in the ratchet mechanism itself.
- the output shaft has a splined portion which is secured rotatably within a generally cylindrical axial cavity in the distal end of the mechanism's body.
- Two special pins mounted on a rocker project through the body of the mechanism. Depending on the position of the rocker, one or the other or both of the pins extend(s) into the splines.
- the pins are configured such that one permits rotation of the splined portion in one direction and prevents rotation in the opposite direction, and the other pin permits rotation in the opposite direction and prevents rotation in the first direction.
- there are three modes of operation i.e. ratcheting in one direction, ratcheting in the other direction, and locked with no ratcheting.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective of the preferred embodiment
- FIG. 2 is an exploded side view, in cross-section
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the assembled mechanism
- FIG. 4 is a corresponding top view
- FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the body of the mechanism
- FIG. 6 is a cross-section at A--A of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-section at B--B of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-section showing the rocker depressed in one direction
- FIG. 9 is a cross-section at C--C of FIG. 8, showing the pin extending into the spline
- FIG. 10 is another cross-section at C--C of FIG. 8, showing the pin ratcheted out of the spline
- FIG. 11 is a cross-section showing the rocker depressed in the other direction
- FIG. 12 is a cross-section at D--D of FIG. 11;
- FIG. 13 is a cross-section showing the rocker in the central position
- FIG. 14 is a side view of one of the pins
- FIG. 15 is a view of the FIG. 14 pin at 90 degrees to FIG. 14, i.e. looking along the axis of the body;
- FIG. 16 is a side view of the other pin.
- FIG. 17 is a view of the FIG. 16 pin at 90 degrees to FIG. 16, i.e. looking along the axis of the body.
- the ratchet mechanism 1 is positioned between the handle 2 and the distal end of the tool, preferably but not necessarily immediately adjacent the handle.
- the mechanism has a body 3 with a shank 4 or other suitable means extending from one end thereof, to which the handle is secured, by molding plastic around it, for example.
- An output shaft 5 extends from the other end thereof.
- the output shaft may be the actual screwdriver blade, but preferably, for greater flexibility, is configured as a hex socket with a hexagonal axial opening 6 in the distal end thereof, into which any desired screwdriver or nut-driver bit may be installed in any conventional fashion, such as via magnetic retention, ball and clip arrangements, retaining springs, etc.
- the output shaft 5 has a portion with splines 7. That portion is secured rotatably within a generally cylindrical axial cavity 8 in the distal end of the mechanism's body.
- the securing may be, for example, by a machine screw 9 which extends through the wall of the body into an annular channel 10 in the output shaft.
- rocker 12 Two special pins 11 and 11', mirror images of each other, are mounted on a rocker 12, to project through the body of the mechanism.
- the rocker can pivot about a lateral pin 13 through the wall of the body, between three positions, which will be referred to herein as LEFT, RIGHT and LOCKED.
- a lateral pin 13 set screws through opposite sides of the wall of the body could be used.
- two balls could be positioned on opposite sides of the rocker, press-fitted in recesses in the wall and rocker. In other words, any means by which the rocker is pivotally mounted would generally suffice.
- Ball-spring arrangements each consisting of a spring 14 and two balls 15 extending into recesses 16 in the body, tend to hold the rocker in one of the three positions, so that the rocker does not accidentally flip from one position to another.
- the ball-spring arrangements can be on the sides of the rocker as illustrated, or could be at one or both ends of the rocker. One such arrangement could be used instead of two as illustrated. Means other than ball-spring arrangements obviously could be used to achieve the same result, i.e. to restrict the rocker against accidental movement.
- the LEFT pin 11 In the LEFT position of the rocker, the LEFT pin 11 extends into the splines 7.
- the pin is configured to permit rotation in the LEFT direction, i.e. counterclockwise, and to prevent rotation in the RIGHT direction, i.e. clockwise.
- the RIGHT pin is retracted sufficiently by the rocker that it does not engage the splines.
- the RIGHT pin 11' extends into the splines 7.
- the pin is configured to permit rotation in the RIGHT direction, i.e. clockwise, and to prevent rotation in the LEFT direction, i.e. counterclockwise.
- the LEFT pin is retracted sufficiently by the rocker that it does not engage the splines.
- both pins 11 and 11' extend into the splines, so rotation in either direction is prevented, i.e. in the case of a screwdriver, it acts as a conventional non-ratcheting screwdriver.
- a partially-compressed spring 19 acts against a split-ring washer 20 positioned in a groove 21 in each pin.
- Other suitable means could be used instead, such as wave springs or plate springs, to achieve the same effect.
- the pins must of course be allowed to further compress the springs, in order to jump over the raised portions of the splines to achieve the ratcheting effect.
- their heads 17 are non-circular (hexagonal being illustrated as an example), and the recesses 18 correspond in shape.
- FIGS. 14-17 show the pins themselves in more detail.
- the pins have an angled bottom 23, configured so that when the rocker is pivoted to position a pin in the splines, the bottom of the pin is approximately parallel to the bottom of the splines, for maximum engagement.
- the pins present a ramp 24 in one direction, to permit ratcheting, and a flat surface 22 parallel to the axis of the pin to catch on a spline to prevent ratcheting.
- the rocker can be activated manually, or by an overlying slide (not illustrated), or by a lever arrangement connected thereto (also not illustrated).
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/782,814 US5836430A (en) | 1997-01-13 | 1997-01-13 | Ratchet mechanism for screwdrivers and the like |
CA002226797A CA2226797A1 (en) | 1997-01-13 | 1998-01-13 | Screwdriver ratchet assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/782,814 US5836430A (en) | 1997-01-13 | 1997-01-13 | Ratchet mechanism for screwdrivers and the like |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US5836430A true US5836430A (en) | 1998-11-17 |
Family
ID=25127250
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/782,814 Expired - Fee Related US5836430A (en) | 1997-01-13 | 1997-01-13 | Ratchet mechanism for screwdrivers and the like |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5836430A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2226797A1 (en) |
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5910196A (en) * | 1998-01-27 | 1999-06-08 | Huang; Chiu-Tong | Reversible ratchet screwdriver |
US6186030B1 (en) | 1999-07-26 | 2001-02-13 | Stanley Works | Combination ratcheting socket wrench |
US6305250B1 (en) * | 2000-05-26 | 2001-10-23 | Daniel Huang | Triple-function ratchet device |
US20030224322A1 (en) * | 2002-06-04 | 2003-12-04 | Ajay Kumar | Dental hand tool with ratchet mechanism |
US20040159192A1 (en) * | 2002-01-09 | 2004-08-19 | Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc. | Ratchet driver |
US20060248988A1 (en) * | 2005-05-05 | 2006-11-09 | Precimed Sa | Coupling device with configurable actuator |
US20080221583A1 (en) * | 2007-01-18 | 2008-09-11 | Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr | Polyaxial screwdriver for a pedicle screw system |
US7481135B2 (en) | 2004-11-19 | 2009-01-27 | Snap-On Incorporated | Hand tool with adjustable head |
US20100116097A1 (en) * | 2008-10-27 | 2010-05-13 | Meridian International Co., Ltd. | Ratcheting driver mechanism |
CN102085649B (en) * | 2009-12-07 | 2012-07-18 | 胡厚飞 | Racheting device of tool |
US20150282855A1 (en) * | 2014-04-04 | 2015-10-08 | K2M, Inc. | Screw insertion instrument |
WO2020151198A1 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2020-07-30 | 宁波斯乾德进出口有限公司 | Rapid ratchet wrench capable of being used in one hand |
US11618135B2 (en) | 2019-03-05 | 2023-04-04 | K2M, Inc. | Automatic ratcheting screwdriver |
USD1034137S1 (en) * | 2022-10-07 | 2024-07-09 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Drill bit |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113400237A (en) * | 2021-07-19 | 2021-09-17 | 南昌博格技术有限公司 | Error-proof electric screwdriver, controller and computer screwing system |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US309902A (en) * | 1884-12-30 | John watson | ||
US968080A (en) * | 1910-05-27 | 1910-08-23 | Henry H Hammer | Ratchet-wrench. |
US1421792A (en) * | 1921-08-02 | 1922-07-04 | Sarah W Campbell | Combination ratchet tool |
US5582081A (en) * | 1994-08-23 | 1996-12-10 | Lin; Ching-Chou | Reversible screwdriver |
-
1997
- 1997-01-13 US US08/782,814 patent/US5836430A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-01-13 CA CA002226797A patent/CA2226797A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US309902A (en) * | 1884-12-30 | John watson | ||
US968080A (en) * | 1910-05-27 | 1910-08-23 | Henry H Hammer | Ratchet-wrench. |
US1421792A (en) * | 1921-08-02 | 1922-07-04 | Sarah W Campbell | Combination ratchet tool |
US5582081A (en) * | 1994-08-23 | 1996-12-10 | Lin; Ching-Chou | Reversible screwdriver |
Cited By (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5910196A (en) * | 1998-01-27 | 1999-06-08 | Huang; Chiu-Tong | Reversible ratchet screwdriver |
US6186030B1 (en) | 1999-07-26 | 2001-02-13 | Stanley Works | Combination ratcheting socket wrench |
US6305250B1 (en) * | 2000-05-26 | 2001-10-23 | Daniel Huang | Triple-function ratchet device |
US20040159192A1 (en) * | 2002-01-09 | 2004-08-19 | Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc. | Ratchet driver |
US6854363B2 (en) | 2002-01-09 | 2005-02-15 | Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc. | Ratchet driver |
US20030224322A1 (en) * | 2002-06-04 | 2003-12-04 | Ajay Kumar | Dental hand tool with ratchet mechanism |
US6957959B2 (en) * | 2002-06-04 | 2005-10-25 | Zimmer Dental, Inc. | Dental hand tool with ratchet mechanism |
US7481135B2 (en) | 2004-11-19 | 2009-01-27 | Snap-On Incorporated | Hand tool with adjustable head |
US7926390B2 (en) * | 2005-05-05 | 2011-04-19 | Greatbatch Ltd. | Coupling device with configurable actuator |
US20060248988A1 (en) * | 2005-05-05 | 2006-11-09 | Precimed Sa | Coupling device with configurable actuator |
US8998921B2 (en) | 2007-01-18 | 2015-04-07 | Stryker Spine | Polyaxial screwdriver for a pedicle screw system |
US20080221583A1 (en) * | 2007-01-18 | 2008-09-11 | Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr | Polyaxial screwdriver for a pedicle screw system |
US8231635B2 (en) * | 2007-01-18 | 2012-07-31 | Stryker Spine | Polyaxial screwdriver for a pedicle screw system |
US10639080B2 (en) | 2007-01-18 | 2020-05-05 | Stryker European Holdings I, Llc | Polyaxial screwdriver for a pedicle screw system |
US20150190182A1 (en) * | 2007-01-18 | 2015-07-09 | Stryker European Holdings I, Llc | Polyaxial screwdriver for a pedicle screw system |
US20230000532A1 (en) * | 2007-01-18 | 2023-01-05 | Stryker European Operations Holdings Llc | Polyaxial Screwdriver For a Pedicle Screw System |
US11389211B2 (en) | 2007-01-18 | 2022-07-19 | Stryker European Operations Holdings Llc | Polyaxial screwdriver for a pedicle screw system |
US9649139B2 (en) * | 2007-01-18 | 2017-05-16 | Stryker European Holdings I, Llc | Polyaxial screwdriver for a pedicle screw system |
US20100116097A1 (en) * | 2008-10-27 | 2010-05-13 | Meridian International Co., Ltd. | Ratcheting driver mechanism |
US8522651B2 (en) | 2008-10-27 | 2013-09-03 | Meridian International Co., Ltd. | Ratcheting driver mechanism |
CN102085649B (en) * | 2009-12-07 | 2012-07-18 | 胡厚飞 | Racheting device of tool |
US9526553B2 (en) * | 2014-04-04 | 2016-12-27 | K2M, Inc. | Screw insertion instrument |
US20150282855A1 (en) * | 2014-04-04 | 2015-10-08 | K2M, Inc. | Screw insertion instrument |
WO2020151198A1 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2020-07-30 | 宁波斯乾德进出口有限公司 | Rapid ratchet wrench capable of being used in one hand |
US11331773B2 (en) | 2019-01-23 | 2022-05-17 | Ningbo S-Chande Import & Export Co., Ltd. | Rapid ratchet wrench capable of being used in one hand |
US11618135B2 (en) | 2019-03-05 | 2023-04-04 | K2M, Inc. | Automatic ratcheting screwdriver |
USD1034137S1 (en) * | 2022-10-07 | 2024-07-09 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Drill bit |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2226797A1 (en) | 1998-07-13 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MAXTECH, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VASUDECA, KAILASH C.;REEL/FRAME:008399/0699 Effective date: 19970107 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
XAS | Not any more in us assignment database |
Free format text: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION;TEXTRON INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION;AVDEL CHERRY RHODE ISLAND INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:018224/0669 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20101117 |